URL: https://horsham.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=746

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   i)      To agree that officers maintain and publish, on the Horsham District Council website, a list showing the location of new operational BESS sites in the district along with sites where planning permission has been granted (effective from a date to be determined by the Head of Development and Building Control);   ii)     To agree that officers ensure consistent labelling of BESS applications on the planning portal and provide better details of how to search for such sites on the Horsham District Council website;     iii)   To consider the inclusion of Appendix A ‘Information to be provided for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Planning Applications’ be considered for inclusion in the Local Validation List when this is next reviewed; and   iv)   To agree that Appendix A be kept under review to ensure requirements remain up to date and continue to reflect good practice.     REASONS   i)      To update the Communities and Place Policy and Scrutiny Committee.   ii)     To ensure that Ward Members, local residents and other interested parties have access to relevant information to allow them to respond effectively to planning applications in their local area.   iii)   To provide clarity for all parties involved in planning applications for BESS sites confirming what information should be submitted at the pre-application stage. This will support BESS developers to deliver installations of a high standard ensuring the safety of those who live and work locally.   iv)   To ensure documents requested as part of Appendix A remain relevant, proportionate, and reflect good practice, noting that regulatory standards are developed and updated as best practice and technology develops.   v)    To ensure that the process discussed with WSFRS is effective and BESS developers provide up to date fire safety strategy documents prior to the commencement of the development.     vi)   To ensure fire safety information is available for reference in regard to new planning applications that are proposed to be situated nearby to existing BESS installations.     ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT   The group discussed fire strategy documents, and the process for Qualitative Design Reviews, as defined by BS 7974. Whilst it was the experience of some Members that these documents could demonstrate that fire safety issues had been considered fully, it was felt that it was beyond the scope of the Task and Finish Group to set down specific technical guidance for BESS sites.   Members considered whether conditions should be added to planning requirements that BESS installations were fitted with equipment which complied with UL 9540 or NFPA 855. However, it was acknowledged that regulatory conditions were revised regularly and setting such specifications would commit Horsham District Council to frequent revision of the guidance to maintain its effectiveness.     Members considered whether the list of BESS sites, in the possession of WSFRS, would be sufficient for the purposes of the Task and Finish Group. However, it was confirmed that whilst WSFRS did have details of sites in their fire tenders they did not hold a central database of sites.   Members considered whether the list of BESS sites collated by officers should include all BESS sites which exist currently in the Horsham District. It was noted that current labelling of sites was inconsistent which could risk some not being identified for inclusion in the list. This could result in potential legal challenge should planning applications be considered near a BESS site not on the list. Following consultation with the Head of Development and Building Control it was considered that BESS sites should be consistently labelled on the planning portal, and a list of new BESS sites, should be established. This should start from a date following approval of the above recommendations to be determined by the Head of Development and Building control.    

Date of Decision: June 25, 2025